System and method for automatic taking of specimens

ABSTRACT

A method and a system for automatic taking of specimen from a static or living test object, comprising the steps and functional elements of guiding a specimen collector ( 10 ) by means of a guiding device ( 20 ) to a specimen terminal ( 22 ) attached to the test object ( 1 ); extracting a fluid specimen from the test object ( 1 ) to the specimen collector ( 10 ); guiding the specimen collector ( 10 ) by means of the guiding device ( 20 ) to a specimen container ( 50 ); and delivering or outputting the specimen from the specimen collector ( 10 ) to the specimen container ( 50 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and a methodfor automatic taking of specimens from a test object in the shape of aliving being. More specifically, the invention relates to such a systemand method that handles the taking of a specimen in a manner thatminimises unintentional contamination or separation of the specimen.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In medical science and pharmaceutical industry there is often aneed for testing the reaction of drugs or treatments in living beings,for example test objects in the shape of laboratory animals such as ratsand pigs used for experimental purposes. In such cases it is common totake a plurality of samples or specimens from the test object as well asinjecting substances into the test object during the course of hours ordays, in order to allow observation of gradual responses in the testobject. In order to minimise time and cost consuming manual handling oftaking specimen as well as the stress impact of such a manual handlingon the laboratory animal, attempts have been made to automate the sampletaking procedure. There is also an application in monitoring animals orhumans being during medical treatment.

PRIOR ART

[0003] In prior art there are automatic systems for taking of specimensfrom and for delivering injections to living beings, for examplelaboratory animals used for experimental purposes such as rats and pigs.Such an automatic system is for example provided by the inventors of thepresent invention and is sold under the trademark AccuSampler. Such aprior art system includes a computer with accompanying computer programsoftware for controlling the taking of specimens, injecting andcommunicating with a user as well as computer program software forstoring and generating system parameters and log files. The systemfurther includes actuating devices such as pumps, valves, containers forinjection solutions, rinsing liquid and specimens, one or more cathetersand a tubing system.

[0004] In this system the laboratory animal is before for example anautomatic taking of blood samples provided with a catheter surgicallyinserted into the vessel from which specimen or samples are to be taken.This catheter is preferably coupled to a pivotal arm or a swivel that issuspended in a balance beam. The swivel is devised to enable freedom ofmovement for the laboratory animal. When taking a specimen, the catheteris connected to the tubing system via the swivel. The computer programsoftware of the system controls all the activities involved in takingthe specimen, delivering an injection and handling liquids. Through userinterfaces it is possible for a user to define a scheme for taking ofspecimen and delivering injections, for example when and how often aspecimen shall be taken or a substance shall be injected. It is alsoprovided for storing information on the specimens that have been takenand the injections that have been made, for example when a specificspecimen was taken or a specific substance was injected.

[0005] The prior art document EP 0 389 719 to International TechnidyneCorp shows an example of a sample collection and delivery system of thedescribed kind, wherein the samples are transported in a lumen of atubing from one end to other with a separation between each sample. Thesample thus passes through a long part of a tube.

[0006] Another piece of prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,395 to Woolnershows a sampling apparatus for automatically collecting samples from apatient. Samples are taken from the vascular system of a patient and aretransported via a tubing to a plurality of collector vessels. Betweenthe samples, the transport tube is flushed with saline solution.

[0007] The prior art document WO 96/25186 to Gensia Inc describes afeedback controlled drug delivery system including an automated bloodsampling system. Also in this piece of prior art blood samples aretransported in relatively long tubings.

[0008] In this kind of prior art systems the taken specimen or collectedsample is transported through a sampling device and the tubing system,which entails a risk for adhesion of the taken specimen to the inside ofthe tubing system. This entails on one hand a risk for contaminationalong the inside of the tubing system and on the other hand a risk thatthe specimen that is transported through the tubing system attainsanother composition than that of the freshly specimen. The latterphenomenon can occur as a result of a selective separation dependent onthe adhesive characteristics of the specimen. The result of this is thusthat the specimen that is analysed may have other characteristics orproperties than when it was taken. This can cause errors in for examplepharmacokinetic studies, which concerns the time dependent change of theconcentration of a specific pharmaceutical preparation in for exampleblood.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The overall object of the present invention is to solve theproblem of contamination and separation in a specimen taken and handledin an automatic system for taking specimen on a living test object.

[0010] More specifically the present invention seeks to minimiseunintentional contamination and selective separation of a taken specimendue to adhesion of components of the specimen in the tubing system ofsuch an automatic system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The stated problem is solved by the present invention by guidinga specimen collector through a guiding device to a specimen terminalarranged on or attached to the living test object, for example a rat ora mouse or some other living being. The specimen terminal canfor,example comprise a catheter inserted into a vessel of the testobject. The specimen collector is docked or connected to the specimenterminal and a specimen is loaded from the test object into a specimencavity located at the distal end of the specimen collector. Thereafterthe specimen collector is guided back through the guiding device to aspecimen container in which the specimen is delivered or unloaded.Testing or processing of the specimen can be conducted in or from thespecimen container. The taken specimen is thus transported to thespecimen container from the test object to the specimen containerwithout having contact with any other material than that constitutingthe walls of the specimen cavity of the specimen collector. Thereby, theunintentional contamination and selective separation of specimens due tomaterial contact is minimised.

[0012] The guiding device is coupled on one hand to the specimenterminal and on the other hand to the specimen container, respectively,by means of a mechanical connection. In accordance with an aspect of theinvention, a fluid specimen is extracted from the living being to thespecimen collector, for example by means of suction power actuated by apumping device such as a piston pump or a roller pump.

[0013] The guiding device is in accordance with a further aspectprovided with points or a path switch at a junction between a firstguiding branch leading to the test object and a second guiding branchleading to the specimen container. Typically, after collecting ordelivering a specimen the specimen collector is retracted behind thepoints, which switches the guide path to a selected branch andthereafter guides the specimen collector forwards down the path of theselected branch.

[0014] The invention preferably further comprises an attaching andpositioning mechanism arranged at the specimen terminal and devised forattaching and position the specimen terminal and the guiding device tothe test object.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the specimen collector is implementedby means of an inner tubing, which is guided co-axially inside an outertubing comprised in the guiding device. The outer tubing is in oneembodiment integrated with, i.e. made in one piece with or fastened tothe attaching mechanism. In an embodiment being implemented by inner andouter tubing, the mentioned guiding branches are implemented by means ofbranch tubes and the points or switch is then preferably implemented bymeans of a tube guide that is displaceable in a radial direction.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention is directed to a computerprogram product for use in a data processing system and devised forcontrolling automatic specimen taking in accordance with the inventivemethod. The computer program product comprises computer program codeportions, possibly stored on a storage medium and devised to control thedata processing system to control the specimen taking apparatus toperform the steps of the inventive method.

[0017] Definitions

[0018] The distal and the proximal part of a component refer to theparts of the component that are farthest from and closest to the pumpingdevice, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention is described in further detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 2a shows an enlarged view of the distal end of a first tubingbranch of a guiding device coupled to a living being in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIGS. 2b-2 c show a specimen collector before and after it haspassed a septum in a specimen terminal;

[0023]FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a specimen collector at its distalend;

[0024]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a specimen collector arranged in theguiding device;

[0025]FIGS. 5a-5 b show schematically the function of a spring suspendeddevice for controlling the movement of a guiding device in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 6 shows schematically the function of a pneumatic device forcontrolling the movement of a guiding device in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of method steps in an embodiment of theinvention;

[0028]FIGS. 8a-14 show schematically functional details of embodimentsof the invention; and

[0029]FIGS. 15a-15 b show schematically embodiments of disposal articlesin accordance with the invention.

[0030]FIG. 16 shows an example of a static test object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] System Overview

[0032] In its most general embodiment, the system in accordance with theinvention comprises a specimen collector that is configured to be leador guided by means of a guiding device coupled to a test object. Thetest object is in most cases a living being but possibly also some othertest object that is the subject of repetitive taking of specimen. Thedescribed embodiments of the invention are directed to collecting,sampling or taking liquid specimen for example from a vessel in a livingbeing or from some other kind of vessel containing a liquid. With amodification the specimen collector may be adapted to collect solidmaterial samples or specimen from a test object.

[0033] After the taking of a specimen or sample, the specimen istemporarily stored in a cavity or specimen grip or storage at the distalend of the specimen collector. The specimen collector is thereafter bymeans of the guiding device lead to a specimen container such as a testglass or test tube where the specimen is delivered for storage orfurther processing. Embodiments of the inventive system can comprise oneor a plurality of specimen containers testing tubes for fluid specimen,dependent on the specific application of the invention.

[0034] The specimen taking system and its functions in accordance withthe inventive method is automatically controlled by means of computerprogram software being executed on a control data processing system.Specific test schemes are also controlled by such a computer programproduct, for example specimen taking dependent on a time schedule forcollecting samples or specimen from the test object. The control dataprocessing system may be a dedicated control data processor or apersonal computer set up with a suitable control program. The user canthrough a user interface define the specimen taking procedure anddifferent specimen taking parameters, for example by defining aselectable number of specimens to be taken with a selectable timeinterval or at specific points in time. There is also functional meansconfigured for storing information on taken specimens, such as time andspecimen identity. The computer program product comprises program codeportions adapted to direct a data processing system to perform the stepsof the inventive method or control the movements of the systemcomponents as described in this description. The computer programproduct preferably comprises a carrier in the shape of a storage medium,such as a diskette or CD or the like, for storing the inventive computerprogram portions.

[0035]FIG. 1 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of theinventive system. A guiding device 20 in the shape of an outer orexterior tubing is configured to lead or guide an elongate specimencollector 10, which in this embodiment is implemented as an inner orinterior tubing inside an exterior tubing of the guiding device to aliving test object 1. The interior and exterior tubing, respectively,are positioned and configured to be axially movable in relation to eachother. The exterior tubing has a first orifice connected to a specimenterminal piece 22 attached to the test object and a second orificeconfigured for delivering or outputting the content of the specimencollector. In one embodiment of the invention the inner and outer tubing10 and 20, respectively, are made of a soft material such as Teflon orsome other material having a low adhesive surface and a non-reactivesurface. In an embodiment of the invention directed to taking a liquidspecimen it is particularly important that the inside surface of thecavity operating as a specimen storage in the specimen collector isprovided with an inside surface that has a low adhesive capacity. Inother words a material to which the specimen does not adhere at all oronly to a small extent. The diameter of the tubing 10,20 variesdependent on the type of specimens and the type of living being fromwhich the specimens are to be taken. In any case, in this realisation ofthe invention the outer diameter of the interior tubing 10 shall besmaller than the inner diameter of the exterior tubing 20. Experimentaltests have for example shown that when taking specimens from laboratoryanimals, such as a rats, suitable dimensions of the exterior tubing isan outer diameter in the range of 3 millimetres (⅛ inch) and an innerdiameter in the range of 2 millimetres. The suitable dimensions in acorresponding interior tubing is then an outer diameter in the range of1.6 millimetres ({fraction (1/16)} inch) and an inner diameter in therange of 0.8 millimetres.

[0036] The figure further shows a first tubing branch 20 a of the outertubing 20 coupled to the test object 1 and possibly attached to a swivel40. The swivel is for example a liquid swivel or some other mechanism,e.g. a radial bearing, that enables freedom of movement of a living testobject 1 without being unnecessarily hampered by the guiding device 20.As shown in FIG. 2a, a specimen terminal 22 is attached to the testobject 1 and is coupled to the first tubing branch 20 a of the outertubing 20 of the guiding device. Preferably in embodiments applied forliving test objects, the specimen terminal 22 is coupled to or comprisesa catheter 21 that when in use is inserted into a vessel of the livingtest object.

[0037] In the case of a non-living test object, the specimen terminalcan for example comprise a capillary tube in fluid communication with amonitored or tested fluid. In any case, the specimen terminal is aninterface between the sampled fluid, substance or material contained inor constituted by the test object and the guiding device for temporarilyconnecting to the specimen collector. FIG. 16 shows an example of astatic, non-living test object in the shape of a container or vessel 162containing a fluid 163 from which samples or specimens are to be taken.The shown vessel is provided with a lid 164 and an annular gasket forsealing off the inside of the vessel. A specimen terminal 168 isattached in an orifice of the lid 164 thus operating as an interface formaking contact with the fluid in the vessel. The specimen terminalcomprises a contraction 172 for sealing and protecting the contentbetween the sampling. In this example the terminal is provided with acapillary tube connected to or encompassed by the contraction 172. Aspecimen terminal of this kind may also for example be invasivelyattached to the wall of a pipe or tube for transporting a fluid.

[0038] Again referring to FIG. 1, a guiding path points or switch 30,here in the shape of or comprising a tube leader, is coupled to a partof the outer tubing 20 c of the guiding device. The guiding path switch30 is further selectively couplable to the first and second tubingbranches 20 a and 20 c. The function of the guiding path switch 30 is tocontrol the path of the inner tubing of the specimen collector 10selectively to the path of the first tubing branch 20 a, thus leading tothe test object, or to the path of the second tubing branch 20 b,leading for example to a specimen container or to a waste bin. In atypical operation of a specimen taking cycle, the specimen collector 10is, after having taken a specimen at the specimen terminal 22, retractedfrom the first tubing branch 20 a to a position proximal the guidingpath switch 30. The guiding path switch 30 is actuated to switch theguiding path to the second tubing branch 20 b, whereupon the specimencollector is guided down the second tubing branch to its distal endwhere the specimen is delivered for example to a specimen container.Preferably a rinsing fluid is sucked into the specimen storage of thespecimen collector and is thereafter output to a waste bin.

[0039] The guiding path switch or tube leader is in one embodimentcontrolled by an electromagnetic mechanism, but other devices capable ofachieving a switch between a first and a second guiding path are ofcourse also conceivable. In one embodiment the tube leader of the switchis made of a soft and flexible material. Furthermore, the elongate tubeleader in this embodiment is at its proximal end fastened to or a partof the outer tubing portion 20 c and its distal end is actuatable toselectively attain a sealed connection with the proximal ends of thefirst and second tubing branches 20 a, 20 b, respectively.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the inventive system comprises a specimendelivery station at the distal end of the second guiding path 20 b wherea specimen container 50, for example one in a series of test tubes forfluid specimen or samples can be docked. At the specimen deliverystation the specimen container is preferably movably arranged, forexample in a revolving magazine having space for a plurality ofcontainers. Thereby the containers can be moved to and from the deliverystation. Correspondingly, the distal end of the second branch 20 b ofthe guiding path can be made movable such that a specimen can beunloaded or output at selected positions e.g. for different receivingcontainers. As mentioned before, the system may also comprise a rinsingstation (not shown) or a waste container (not shown) that is configuredto be positioned at the distal end of the second branch 20 b. Preferablythe distal end of the branch 20 b and the waste container are movable inrelation to each other, by movement of the branch 20 b or by movement ofthe waste bin.

[0041] Specimen Terminal

[0042]FIG. 2a shows an enlarged and schematic view of how the firsttubing branch 20 a of the outer tubing 20 and a fastening device or aspecimen terminal 22 are coupled to a living test object 1 via acatheter 21 in an embodiment of the invention. In the example of takingblood specimens, the distal end of a catheter 21 coupled to or possiblycomprised in the specimen terminal 21 is inserted in a blood vessel,e.g. an artery of the living test object. The proximal end of thecatheter is coupled to the distal end of the first tubing branch 20 a bymeans of a coupling mechanism comprised in the specimen terminal 22. Thespecimen terminal is configured for positioning the catheter output atthe living test object, for attaching the guiding device to the testobject and for providing an interface between the test object and thespecimen collector. Preferably the specimen terminal 22 is springy,resiliently or elastically attached to the living test object 1 in orderto decrease or minimise the impact of the taking of specimens. That is,the specimen terminal 22 is devised to reduce the or even out thepressure forces, the traction forces or the movements that are caused inconnection with the taking of specimens, the movement of the specimencollector and the actuation of the guiding path switch. In the shownembodiment the specimen terminal 22 is provided with a flange designedwith a suitable area against the test object 1 for the purpose ofreducing pressure forces. Preferably the material is also resilient forexample Dacron or the like.

[0043]FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c show an embodiment of the specimen terminal 22engaged with the specimen collector 10. The shown specimen terminal 22comprises a contraction 26 in the path of the specimen collector 10inside the specimen terminal 22 and encompassing the proximal end of acatheter 21. The contraction is made compliant or resilient to squeezein a springy or elastic manner the catheter 21 to be sealed by means ofthe contraction. This arrangement is made to prevent e.g. arterial bloodfrom the living test object 1 to leak out through the catheter betweenthe specimen taking occasions.

[0044] A first branch 20 b of the outer tubing 20 is fastened to thespecimen terminal 22 and is preferably provided with at least onepassage or perforation 25, or some other device with openings forequalising pressure and insuction of for example air or a separationmedium. In the first tubing branch 20 b said perforation 25 enablespressure equalising in the area between the contraction 26 of thespecimen terminal 22 and the distal part of the inner tubing or a leadof the specimen collector 10 when it is moved towards the living testobject 1. In the course of this movement air or fluid, e.g. blood, thatis situated proximal the contraction 26 and distal a gasket 12 attachedto inner tubing or lead can escape through the perforation 25. Theperforation also enables insuction of for example air into the lumen ofthe inner tubing of the specimen collector 10 at its distal end. Aninsuction of air or another separation medium is preferably carried outbefore taking a specimen in order to separate the specimen from asolution or substance in the lumen of the specimen collector 10.Insuction of a separation medium is preferably also carried out alsoafter taking the specimen in order to avoid contaminating the inside ofthe outer tubing 20 when the inner tubing 10 is retracted and moved inthe outer tubing. Insuction of a separation medium and a specimen intothe lumen or cavity of the inner tubing is in one embodiment carried outby means of a pumping device 100, for example a piston pump, arranged atthe proximal end of the inner tubing (Cf FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b).

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b the specimen terminal22 is a tube like device comprising a contraction 26 preferably in theshape of a septum, for example a silicone septum having a cut or punchedopening. The catheter 21 is in a preferred embodiment closed by means ofthe septum and the septum is opened and penetrated by the specimencollector when the specimen collector is lead forward into the catheter.In this position the septum seals against the inner tubing of thespecimen collector. On the distal side of the septum, the distal end ofthe specimen collector is in a direct contact with the sampled fluid anda specimen is extracted or sucked from the catheter into the lumen ofthe inner tubing. After insuction of a specimen the specimen collector10 is retracted past the septum, which resumes its original shape orposition.

[0046] The need for a swivel for following the movements of the livingtest object is avoided by seeing to it that the distal end of thespecimen collector 10 is in contact with components that are attached tothe living test object only during the short period of time when thetaking of a specimen is carried out.

[0047] Specimen Collector

[0048]FIG. 3 (Cf. also FIGS. 2b-2 c) shows an example of the design of aspecimen collector 10. The specimen collector 10 is preferably maderelatively soft and bendable as an elongate inner or interior tubing orlead having a lumen extending from the distal end to a proximalposition. In the shown embodiment the distal end of the specimencollector 10 is provided with a rounded soft distal widening part 11 orspecimen collector head, by means of which the opening of thecontraction 26 or septum in the specimen terminal is dilated andpenetrated. The shown distal widening part 11 has the shape of a ball,but can also have another geometric form that is narrowing in its distaland proximal directions. Preferably the outer shape of the distal part11 has a mantle surface having a diameter that in its distal directionfirst increases to a largest diameter adapted to penetrate the septumand then decreases. In one embodiment, the distal part 11 has a lengthin the range of about 5 to 8 millimetres. The distal part 11 is furtherprovided with a passage or lumen that is in communicative connectionwith the lumen of the inner tubing or the lead of the specimen collector10. A taken specimen thus passes through the distal part 11 to the lumenof the inner tubing. In one embodiment the inner tubing as well as thedistal part is made of Teflon, and in another embodiment the innertubing is made of Teflon and the distal part 11 is made of PEEK (PolyEten Eten Keton). The distal part is preferably made in a hardermaterial than that of the inner tubing, in order to be more apt to openor penetrate the contraction or septum 26.

[0049] The shown inner tubing further comprises a first gasket or aflange 12 that is arranged at the outside of the inner tubing or lead ofthe specimen collector 10. The gasket is in this embodiment devised toachieve a sealing between the outside of the inner tubing or lead andthe inside of the outer tubing of the guiding device 20, as shown inFIG. 4. In one embodiment of the specimen collector 10 the inner tubingor lead is connected to the distal part 11 in the first gasket 12, butthey can of course also be connected somewhere else or even bemanufactured in one piece as an integrated unit. Furthermore, a secondgasket 23 is arranged at the inside of the outer tubing and is alsoarranged to seal between the outside of the inner tubing or lead of thespecimen collector 10 and the inside of the outer tubing 20. In thisembodiment the sealing that is achieved by means of the two gaskets12,23 is used for moving the inner tubing or lead of the specimencollector 10 forwards in the outer tubing 20, i.e. in the direction ofthe living test object down the first branch 20 a. Alternatively, theinner tubing or lead is moved forwards in the direction of the specimencontainer down the second branch 20 b. This is preferably carried outpneumatically by supplying compressed air through a first compressed airinlet 60, arranged at the outer tubing 20 between the gaskets 12,23. Theair exerts a pressure on the gaskets, and since the second gasket 23 isfastened to the inside of the outer tubing 20 the air pressure will acton the first gasket 12 that is fastened to the outside of the innertubing. The inner tubing 10 will thereby be moved away from the airinlet 60 down the first or second branch 20 a, 20 b dependent on theposition of the guiding branch switch 30.

[0050] Displacement of Specimen Collector

[0051] In FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b it is shown how the inner tubing or leadof the specimen collector 10 is connected to a container 110 for arinsing fluid, preferably a heparinised sodium chloride solution. Inthis embodiment the inner tubing or lead runs or slides around a pulley70, which possibly is engaged with a driving means 80, e.g. a motor, viaa spring element 75. Furthermore a regulator means 90 preferably avalve, for example a pump valve, is mounted to the lumen of the specimencollector 10, preferably at its proximal end. When the inner tubing orlead of the specimen collector is moved by means of applied pressurisedair in the distal direction of the outer tubing of the guiding device 20c, i.e. down the first branch towards the test object or down the secondbranch towards the specimen container, the inner tubing or lead willcompress the spring element 75 against the fixedly arranged motor 80, asshown in FIG. 5b. When the inner tubing or lead shall be retracted froma distally advanced position, the supply of pressurised air is stoppedand the motor 80 is actuated to press out the spring element 75 to anextended position, whereupon the inner tubing or lead is retracted to amore proximal position as shown in FIG. 5a.

[0052] In one embodiment lacking the motor 80, the spring element 75 isfastened to a fixed object. The spring element 75 is in a forwardmovement of the specimen collector 10 compressed by the air pressureforce that is exerted on the gasket 12. When retracting the specimencollector 10 from a distally advanced position the air pressure supplyis stopped, whereupon the spring element 75 expands and displaces thepulley 70 and thus pulls the specimen collector out of the outer tubing20 c of the guiding device.

[0053]FIG. 6 shows schematically an embodiment of the invention, inwhich the specimen collector is displaced pneumatically in the forwardas well as the backward directions past the guiding path switch. Forthis purpose there is a second compressed air inlet 60′ in the outertubing, and a third gasket or flange 12′ arranged on the inner tubing orlead of the specimen collector 10. In one variety there is even a fourthgasket or flange 23′ arranged on the inside of the outer tubing 20. Itshould be understood that the gaskets or flanges 12,12′,23,23′ are drawnin the figure with an exaggerated distance to the surface it sealsagainst for purpose of showing the respective position and mounting. Inorder to drive the inner tubing or lead of the specimen collector 10 ina distal direction, compressed air is supplied as described above. Whenthe first air 60 inlet is closed and compressed air instead is suppliedthrough the second air inlet 60′, a pressure force is exerted on thethird gasket 12′ and the specimen collector is driven backwards and canbe retracted past the guiding path switch 30. The guiding path switchcan be actuated to engage a selected branch to the guiding path andagain compressed air can be supplied through the first air inlet 60,whereupon the specimen collector is driven forwards down the selectedbranch path to a selected position dependent. The position to which thespecimen collector is driven is controllable dependent on the time andamount of supplied compressed air.

[0054] The gaskets or flanges 12,12′,23,23′ are preferably made inTeflon or some other material having a low friction in relation to therespective tube surface, in order to facilitate a displacement of thespecimen collector inside the tubing of the guiding device.

[0055] In a not shown embodiment of the invention there is an indicatorarranged at the guiding device or at the specimen collector configuredto indicate the relative or absolute position of the specimen collectorin the guiding device. In one variety a magnetic strip is mounted alongthe inner tubing or lead of the specimen collector, for example at itsoutside surface. The magnetic strip comprises a series of magneticequidistantly positioned north and south poles. A magnetic reader ordetector is mounted at the outer tubing of the guiding device, by meansof which the position of the inner tubing or lead can be determined.

[0056] Method for Taking Specimen

[0057]FIG. 7 (also Cf. FIGS. 1-6) shows a flow chart of the inventivemethod steps for taking specimens by means of an exemplifying embodimentof the invention. The shown embodiment comprises the following steps:700 Leading the inner tubing of the specimen collector 10 through thefirst tubing branch 20a of the outer tubing 20 of the guiding device tothe specimen terminal 22 at a living test object 1. 702 Insuction ofabout 10 microlitres of air through the perforation 25 of the outertubing 20 into the lumen of the inner tubing containing a sterilerinsing fluid, preferably a heparin treated sodium chloride solution.704 Leading the inner tubing 10 forward in a distal direction past thecontraction 26 and into the catheter 21, said catheter 21 being arrangedin e.g. an artery in the living test object 1. 706 Insuction and therebyextracting of a fluid specimen, e.g. a blood sample, amounting to aselectable volume from the living test object 1 into the lumen of theinner tubing. 708 Leading and thereby retracting the inner tubingbackwards in a proximal direction past the resilient contraction 26 inthe specimen terminal 22. 710 Insuction of more air into the distal partof the lumen of the inner tubing for the purpose of preventingcontamination of the inside of the outer tubing be the specimen. 712Leading and thereby retracting the inner tubing through the first branchof the outer tubing and past the guiding path switch 30. 714 Actuatingthe guiding path switch 30 such that the second branch of the outertubing leading to a specimen container is an open guiding path. 716Leading the inner tubing through the second branch 20b to the specimencontainer 50 at the distal opening of said second branch 20b. 718Delivering the specimen by pumping out the specimen into the specimencontainer 50. 720 Exchanging the specimen container against a wastecontainer for waste fluid at the distal end of the second branch 20b.722 Actuating the pump valve 90 such that connection between the rinsingfluid container 110 and the pumping device 100 is open. 724 Insuction,by means of the pumping device 100, of a rinsing fluid from thecontainer 110. 726 Actuating the pump valve 90 such that the connectionbetween the inner tubing 10 and the pumping device 100 is open. 728Pumping the rinsing fluid through the lumen of the inner tubing to itsdistal end and delivering said fluid to the waste container at thedistal opening of said second branch 20b. 730 Exchanging the wastecontainer against a specimen container 50 at the distal opening of thesecond branch 20b. 732 Leading back thereby retracting the inner tubingpast the guiding path switch 30. 734 Actuating the guiding path switchsuch that the first branch 20a is open. 736 Repeating the specimentaking procedure in accordance with the steps 700-734. It should beunderstood that the above described method steps can be performed inother suitable orders than that of the previous description.

[0058] Further Embodiments of System Components

[0059]FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b shows a detailed drawing of an embodiment ofparts and components of the inventive system. The FIGS. 9-14 showexemplifying drawings of separate components of this embodiment.Components corresponding to those described in connection with thedrawings in FIGS. 1-4 are for the sake simplicity denoted with the samereference numbers in most of the drawings. The embodiment is shown in anassembled view in FIG. 8a and in an exploded view in FIG. 8b.

[0060] The specimen collector 10 is designed as an interior tube placedinside the guiding device 20 that has the shape of an exterior tube. Theguiding path switch 30′ comprises a stator part 31 and a rotor part 32as well as a not shown axis to be mounted in the coaxial openings 34 ofthe stator part and the rotor part. The proximal part of the guidingtube 20 c leads through an opening in the stator part 34, whereas thefirst and the second tube branches 20 a and 20 b leads throughrespective openings in the rotor part 32. The axis drives the rotor part32 of the guiding path switch 30′ to rotate relative the stator part 34in order to selectively position the proximal part 20 c of the guidingtube in a coaxial position with the respective tube branches 20 a and 20b. Thereby a selected branch path is opened or closed. A closer view ofthe stator part 31 is show in FIG. 9a and a rotor part 32 is shown inFIG. 9b.

[0061] A annular gasket 33, e.g. an O-ring, is preferably mounted at thedistal opening of the tube part 20 c in the stator part 32, in order toseal the connection between the tube part 20 c and the respective tubebranch 20 a and 20 b. As an alternative gaskets or some other sealingmechanism can be arranged on the rotor part 32 at the connection withthe first and second branch 20 a,20 b, respectively.

[0062] An embodiment of a specimen terminal 22′ shown in FIGS. 8a,8 band in FIG. 10 lacks the previously mentioned septum. The specimenterminal 22′, which for example can be made of Dacron, is coupled to theguiding device by means of a coupling mechanism 23,24. The couplingmechanism 23,24 comprises a first part 23 (shown in FIG. 12a) mounted tothe specimen terminal 22′ and a second part 24 (shown in FIG. 12b)mounted to the first part and to the exterior tube 20 of the guidingdevice. The coupling mechanism of this embodiment further comprises avalve 27, which is shown in detail in FIG. 13. The valve 27 comprises aninternally arranged contraction 26′, which preferably is realised as aseptum, that the specimen collector has to penetrate in order to engagewith the catheter (not shown in FIGS. 8a,8 b) in the living test object.In one embodiment this coupling mechanism comprises a swivel and inanother embodiment the coupling mechanism is attached to a swivel formovability of the test object.

[0063] In FIGS. 8a,8 b and in FIGS. 11a,11 b there is shown anembodiment of an inlet 60 for compressed air and its main part 61,through which compressed air can be pumped in between the inner tube ofthe specimen collector 10 and the outer tube 20 of the guiding device20. Thereby the specimen collector can be pneumatically driven in aselectable direction in the outer tube 20. Shown is also a connector 62for connecting the outer tubing 20 of the guiding device to the mainpart 61 of the air inlet 60. As previously explained the compressed airoperates against the gaskets or flanges 12 and 23 and possibly the notshown gaskets or flanges 12′ and 23′, which preferably are annulargaskets in the shape of O-rings.

[0064] Disposable Articles

[0065] Some of the components, for example the inner tubing or lead ofthe specimen collector 10 and the outer tubing 20 a,20 b,20 c of theguiding device, are conveniently realised as disposable articles made insuitable materials as mentioned above.

[0066]FIG. 14 shows a specimen collector head 14 devised to be mountedat the distal end of a specimen collector in the shape of an innertubing or a lead having a lumen. The collector head 14 has a specimenstorage part 13, a distal widening part 11 having a rounded, tapering ornarrowing shape for penetrating a contraction or a septum and aconnector 15 for connecting to an inner tubing. The specimen storagepart 13 of the specimen collector head is preferably provided with alumen that has a volume substantially equal to or larger than the wantedsample volume. This specimen storage lumen is further communicativelycouplable to the lumen of an inner tube or lead of specimen collectorsuch that the specimen can be sucked into and maintained in said storagepart The shown embodiment is realised as an integrated article made inone piece and is advantageously realised as a disposable article in amaterial having a low or non-adhesive, low or non-reactive and low ornon-contaminating characteristics. With this embodiment it is possibleto make the inner tubing or lead of the specimen collector that nevercomes into a direct contact with the specimens in some material havingless strict requirements on the adhesive characteristics. In oneembodiment the specimen collector head 14 is mounted to the inner tubingclose to the gasket 12.

[0067]FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b shows in sectional view embodiments ofspecimen terminals that are suitable to realise as disposable articles.These embodiments are provided with a connector 22 b,22′b in the shapeof a collar for mating with an outer tubing of a guiding device. Theconnector 22 b,22′b is integrated in one piece with a catheter 21 and aprotective flange 22 a,22′a. The variety shown in FIG. 15a is providedwith contraction 26, whereas the variety in FIG. 15b is intended to beused in conjunction with another component having a correspondingcontraction or valve functionality.

[0068] Other Implementations

[0069] The present invention has been described by means of exemplifyingembodiments and it should be understood that the invention can berealised in other ways within the scope of the claims.

[0070] For example, the outer tubing of the guiding device 20 cancomprise a plurality of branches and the guiding path switch cancorrespondingly be devised to switch between the paths of thesebranches. Thereby a single automatic specimen taking apparatus cansimultaneously operate on a plurality of test objects.

[0071] In another example, the specimen collector can be guided by aguiding device, for example in the shape of a wire attached to a staticor a living test object. In this case, the specimen collector can beguided to the test object via e.g. loops arranged on the wire andthrough which the specimen collector is lead. The inventive system canfurther be realised by means of a tubing having a first channel for awire attached to the test object and a second channel for the specimencollector.

1. A method for automatic taking of specimen from a test object,comprising the steps of: guiding a specimen collector (10), by means ofa guiding device (20), to a specimen terminal (22) attached to the testobject (1); extracting a fluid specimen from the test object (1) to thespecimen collector (10); guiding the specimen collector (10), by meansof the guiding device (20), to an output position; and outputting thespecimen from the specimen collector (10).
 2. The method as recited inclaim 1, wherein the guiding device (20) mechanically guides thespecimen collector (10) between the specimen terminal (22) and saidoutput position, for example at a specimen container (50).
 3. The methodas recited in claim 2, further comprising the steps of: guiding thespecimen collector (10) by way of a first branch (20 a) of the guidingdevice (20) to and from the specimen terminal; and guiding the specimencollector (10) by way of a second branch (20 b) of the guiding device(20) to and from the specimen container (50).
 4. The method as recitedin claim 3, wherein the specimen collector (10) is guided from the firstbranch (20 a) to the second branch (20 b) via a guiding path switch(30).
 5. The method as recited in any of claims 1-4, wherein thespecimen collector (10) comprises an inner tubing (10).that extendsinside an outer tubing comprised in the. guiding device (20), the outertubing having a first end arranged at said specimen terminal (22) and asecond end arranged at said specimen collector (50).
 6. The method asrecited in any of claims 3-5, wherein the specimen collector (10) isdisplaced through a first tubing branch (20 a) of the outer tubing (20)to and from the specimen terminal (22) and through a second tubingbranch (20 b) to and from the specimen container.
 7. The method asrecited in claim 6, further comprising the steps of: moving the innertubing (10) to a position in a first part (20 c) of the outer tubing(20) proximal said guiding path switch (30); actuating the guiding pathswitch (30) to join the guiding path of said first tubing part (20 c)with a selectable guiding path of said first tubing branch (20 a) orsecond tubing branch (20 b); and moving the inner tubing (10) via saidguiding path switch (30) into a selected first or second tubing branch(20 a, 20 b).
 8. A system for automatic taking of specimen from a testobject, comprising: an elongate specimen collector (10) having at itsdistal end a cavity configured to store a liquid specimen from said testobject; a guiding device (20) configured to guide said specimencollector (10) along a selectable first or second guiding path ((20 a,20b); a specimen terminal that is attachable to the test object, thespecimen terminal being configured to be coupled to a vessel of saidtest object and to a first guiding path (20 a) of said guiding device(20).
 9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said second guidingpath (20 b) is configured to be coupled to a specimen container (50).10. The system as recited in claim 8 or 9, wherein the guiding device(20) comprises a guiding path switch (30) configured to lead thespecimen collector to a first path branch (20 a) connected to thespecimen terminal (21,22) or to a second path branch (20 b) foroutputting the content of the specimen collector.
 11. The system asrecited in claim 8, further comprising a pumping device (100) configuredto actuate an extraction of a fluid specimen from the test object (1) tothe specimen collector (10) and to actuate an output of a fluid specimenfrom said specimen collector (10).
 12. The system as recited in claim12, wherein the specimen collector (10) comprises a first, interiortubing positioned axially movable in a second, exterior tubing 20comprised in said guiding device.
 13. The system as recited in claim 12,wherein said exterior tubing has a first orifice at one end coupled tothe specimen terminal (21,22) and a second orifice at another endconfigured for outputting a content of the specimen collector.
 14. Thesystem as recited in claim 13, wherein said guiding device comprises afirst tubing portion (20 c) connected at one end to the guiding pathswitch (30), a first tubing branch portion (20 a) and a second tubingbranch portion (20 b) each at one end, respectively, being connected tosaid guiding path switch (30); and said first tubing portion (20 c) isselectively connectable to said first or second tubing branch portion bymeans of said guiding branch switch.
 15. The system as recited in any ofthe claims 12-14, wherein the exterior tubing (20) comprises aperforation (25) configured for insuction of a separation medium, suchas air, and positioned proximate the connection between the exteriortubing (20) and the specimen terminal.
 16. A computer program productfor use in a data processing system controlling automatic taking of aspecimen from a test object by means of a specimen collector guided by aguiding device and displaced by means of a driving mechanism, said testobject being coupled at a specimen terminal to the guiding device andsaid specimen collector having a lumen, the computer program productcomprising program code portions configured to direct the dataprocessing system to: actuate the guiding device and the drivingmechanism to lead the specimen collector to the specimen terminal;actuate the extraction of a specimen from the test object into the lumenof said specimen collector by means of a pumping device; actuate theguiding device and the driving mechanism to lead the specimen collectorto a selected position; and to actuate the output of the specimen fromthe specimen collector by means of said pumping device.
 17. The computerprogram product as recited in claim 16, further comprising program codeportions configured to direct a data processing system of a specimentaking system to perform the steps or functions as recited in any of theclaims 1-15.
 18. A method, system or computer program product as recitedin any of the previous claims wherein the test object is a living being.19. A method, system or computer program product as recited in any ofthe previous claims wherein the test object is a container forcontaining a substance, such as a fluid.
 20. A specimen collector headpiece (14) for use with a specimen collector in a system or method asrecited in any of the claims 1-19, having an elongate shape comprising alumen for storing a specimen and a connector for connecting to the lumenof a specimen collector tubing or lead.
 21. The head piece as recited inclaim 21, further comprising a widening part (11) at one end having agenerally round geometrical shape, the diameter of which increases fromthe distal end to a predetermined maximum diameter.
 22. A specimenterminal (22,22′,21) for use in specimen taking with a system or amethod as recited in any of the claims 1-19, having a fluid lumen, aconnector for connecting the lumen to a tubing and means for attachingthe terminal to a test object.
 23. The specimen terminal as recited inclaim 22, further comprising a flange extending in a substantiallyradial direction in relation to said lumen of the terminal and beingconfigured to even out a pressure over a surface of the test object whenattached to said object.
 24. The specimen terminal as recited in claim22 or 23, further being devised to be coupled to or comprising acatheter such that a lumen of said catheter coincides with a lumen ofsaid terminal.
 25. The specimen terminal as recited in any of claims22-24 further being devised to be coupled to or comprising a capillarytube such that a lumen of said capillary tube coincides with a lumen ofsaid terminal.
 26. The specimen terminal as recited in any of the claims22-25, further comprising a contraction (26).
 27. The specimen terminalas recited in claim 26, wherein the contraction is realised as a septum.28. The specimen terminal as recited in any of claims 26-27, furthercomprising a valve element being provided with said contraction (26).